In mid-February 2021, Austin experienced Winter Storm Uri. This unprecedented winter weather event left many without power for days, affected travel and mobility, and caused significant structural damage. The collective impact of this historic storm caused physical and emotional trauma throughout our community.
As unprecedented as this storm was, the City must assess what occurred before, during, and after to ensure our community’s safety and resilience in the face of any future extreme weather event or disaster. Immediately following Winter Storm Uri, the City Manager directed staff to conduct a full after-action analysis of the City’s actions in order to assist future planning efforts. This page outlines the many activities central to this initiative.
After-Action Reports
City of Austin-Travis County 2021 Winter Storm Uri After-Action Reports
- View the Findings Report here.
- View the After-Action Report & Improvement Plan Technical Report here.
Austin Energy and Austin Water also conducted internal assessments of their infrastructure, operations and communications during the event and are already implementing actions to prepare for the coming winter season.
Austin Energy
- Austin Energy Winter Storm Uri After Action Report.
- Austin Energy Winter Storm Uri After Action Presentation.
Austin Water
- Austin Water Winter Storm Uri After Action Presentation.
- Austin Water Winter Storm Uri After Action Report and Additional Materials
Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM)
Council Action
After the storm, the Austin City Council requested an audit of the City’s response, formed the Winter Storm Uri Task Force (Council Resolution 20210325-067), and participated in public listening sessions to inform future planning and responses.
The Winter Storm Uri Task Force was tasked with leading listening sessions to hear from members of the public about their personal experiences during the storm event.
The Task Force compiled key findings from public input, such as recurring themes, trends, and issues related to the storm, and shared those with the City Council on July 30. This information will be used to inform the City’s planning and response efforts going forward.
- View the Winter Storm Task Force page here.
- View the Winter Storm Review Task Force Final Report (Resolution No. 20210325-067).
- SpeakUp Austin
Next Steps
An Austin-Travis County study into the preparation, planning and response to the February 2021 winter storm and its impacts makes 132 recommendations to ensure the community is better prepared and better served for the next major emergency.
The Winter Storm Uri After-Action Reports, an analysis of more than 100 documents and plans, surveys and interviews with staff, is part of an effort to ready the City, County, and community for future impacts of the climate crisis and other potential hazards. This work builds on the strengths that were observed during this worst-in-a-generation event and makes recommendations for improvements to enhance community preparedness.